Hmmm, I didn't know that (to my shame :)But it seems like one or more of:
a) Alcohol competes for detoxifying enzymes, so leaving more of the antibiotic around for more intense side-effects
b) Heavy drinkers produce more detoxifying enzymes, so the drug is less effective (is broken down faster)
c) Alcohol can increase the sedative effect of some drugs, but also the effects of alcohol can be increased by the same sort of competing for binding sites.
Phew! (from : www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Antibiotics___Alcohol__The_truth_and_myths_a144_f0.html)
(a) Alcohol competes for detoxifying enzymes, so leaving more of the antibiotic around for more intense side-effects
b) Heavy drinkers produce more detoxifying enzymes, so the drug is less effective (is broken down faster)
c) Alcohol can increase the sedative effect of some drugs, but also the effects of alcohol can be increased by the same sort of competing for binding sites.
Phew! (from : www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Antibiotics___Alcohol__The_truth_and_myths_a144_f0.html)
The Alchemist king of the needlessly complicated,
Fri 27 Mar 2009, 17:05,
archived)
I'm happy to concede thatthere are a handful of antibiotics that can react with alcohol ( high blood pressure being the main effect I think ) but the absolute reason for not drinking is simply because it reduces their effects and you may as well not be taking them.
(
Pasanonic 's been known to cause insanity in laboratory mice,
Fri 27 Mar 2009, 17:08,
archived)
From the NHS NeLM:"1. Metronidazole (AVOID ALL ALCOHOL)
Metronidazole can inhibit the metabolism of alcohol, so that metabolites build up in the body. These metabolites cause an unpleasant reaction characterised by symptoms such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, hypotension, and palpitations (1-5). Not everyone is affected, but it is a common enough reaction for all people on metronidazole to be advised to avoid alcohol."
Metronidazole is certainly a commonly prescribed antibiotic.
The same document does say "Members of the public commonly believe that all antibiotics interact with alcohol. This is not true." They should have spelled "all" "ALL".
(Metronidazole can inhibit the metabolism of alcohol, so that metabolites build up in the body. These metabolites cause an unpleasant reaction characterised by symptoms such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, hypotension, and palpitations (1-5). Not everyone is affected, but it is a common enough reaction for all people on metronidazole to be advised to avoid alcohol."
Metronidazole is certainly a commonly prescribed antibiotic.
The same document does say "Members of the public commonly believe that all antibiotics interact with alcohol. This is not true." They should have spelled "all" "ALL".
Bee Nice |-|,
Fri 27 Mar 2009, 17:12,
archived)
You are throwing words at me as though I suggestedthat people should drink and take antibiotics. Far from it. I'm just disputing the misconceptions behind why you are told not to.
( Pasanonic 's been known to cause insanity in laboratory mice,
Fri 27 Mar 2009, 17:15,
archived)
It's nothing personal.But the words "They don't react badly in the slightest" are wrong*, and might make someone ill if they acted on them.
(I agree with you that there are a lot of myths floating around on both sides).
(*: assuming we trust the NHS National electronic Library for Medicines (NeLM) as a competent authority. The Hedgehog From Hell, where are you? :-)
((I agree with you that there are a lot of myths floating around on both sides).
(*: assuming we trust the NHS National electronic Library for Medicines (NeLM) as a competent authority. The Hedgehog From Hell, where are you? :-)
Bee Nice |-|,
Fri 27 Mar 2009, 17:20,
archived)